Pillars of the Community

Posted on Wed Jan 15th, 2025 @ 6:56am by Petty Officer 1st Class Ayol & Commander Alex Flynn & Lieutenant Rune Thul & Lieutenant S'Lace & Centurion Ixim & Ipae Lepsain & D'Deridex Tebok & Vaia & Lebaros Tarix
Edited on on Wed Jan 15th, 2025 @ 10:00am

4,797 words; about a 24 minute read

Mission: Masters of the Stars [2]
Location: Civilian Sector, Deck 95 - DS13
Timeline: 1030 Hours - MD02

Yeoman Ayol stood waiting patiently outside the main access turbolift in the green zone, the unofficially named quarter of the civilian sector in the upper sphere where the Romulan population was concentrated.

Half an hour earlier Captain Rovak had contacted Commander Flynn and Lieutenants Thul and S’Lace, asking them to make themselves available to attend the Romulan embassy half an hour hence. It seemed what passed for the Romulan community leaders had finally found the time to gather for discussion with the station’s senior staff, a request which had been made at least twice a week for more than a month now.

Ayol reviewed what little information they had about the representatives they would be meeting with as he waited.

S'Lace arrived at the appointed time and took note of the Vorta yeoman. It had been the same person who had been exiting the Captain's office when she had first come to the station. She had familiarized herself with the names and positions of key personnel and naturally anyone working closely with the captain made the top of that list. She had never actually met a Vorta before.

"Yeoman Ayol," She stated, curious despite herself regarding the being's origins, "Doctor S'Lace. My understanding is the Romulans have deigned to grant us an audience?"

Silently Lieutenant Rune Thul arrived and had his hands behind his back as he came to stand by the Vorta's other side, he let the two have their conversation first as it did hold Rune's interest. Why now did the Romulans agree to meet with the Senior officers? He asked himself, had something changed in the Romulan community or were they planning something so complex that it has taken all this time. He did have a type 1 phaser in his pocket, he was security after all, and he will protect his fellow officers as well as any of the Romulans should other Romulans take action.

"You are correct, Doctor. I must apologise for the suddenness of this, but it seems it is an opportunity we cannot overlook." Ayol said to S'Lace, nodding mid-sentence to Thul as he arrived. "Please also allow me to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and I do not believe you have met Lieutenant Rune Thul of the Seventh House, Wielder of the Sword of Courage."

"No apologies necessary, Yeoman," S'Lace replied, "When opportunities arise it is wise to take advantage of them, especially where our Romulan neighbors are concerned."

She turned and granted the lieutenant a polite nod, "S'Lace, Chief Medical Officer," she turned back to Ayol, "I am not certain how much contact you have had with the Romulans. If I might offer some advice, some may wish to find offense that the Captain is not here personally, some may see your modest rank as an affront. Stress that you are the Captain's humble and trusted representative and we," she nodded to Thul, "are department heads. In fact, using lieutenant Thul's titles would be advantageous when you introduce him."

Flynn emerged from the turbolift while S'Lace was mid sentence. "I think you're right." Alex said in response, having heard S'Lace's suggestion. "You can only be S'Lace. I'm Flynn, XO. These bigwigs expect us to show up at the drop of a hat, so you can be sure they'll expect us to razzle dazzle them a bit."

S'Lace turned and her nostrils flared. What was that scent? It was faint but definitely there. And then she recalled the medical records for the XO. Smoking, a barbaric habit

"Commander," S'Lace said with a slight nod. S'Lace would have words with this woman later about her habits. If she expected her to keep repairing her lungs and liver she would have to think again. But that was for another time, "It is good you are joining us; it will give the Romulans one less thing to complain about," a hint of a grimace crossed her face, "Not that they will stop trying..."

"I will have to correct you on one thing, Yeoman, it is the Wielder of the Sacred Sword. Hello again," Rune stated firmly, he could smell the smoke off the Executive Officer. Not a good thing, even though medical can just fix it up in moments.

Rune turned to Flynn. "Commander," he greeted, then faced S'Lace. "Welcome aboard Doctor, or if you have been here way before I arrived, in that case I shall say it is nice to meet you." He frowned. "With all that has happened, I believe I can't recall if my family and I did our boarding physicals yet. I will be happy to look into that after this meeting with the Romulans."

S'Lace nodded politely, "That would be fine, lieutenant."

He gestured at the group. "Perhaps we should take a page from the Romulans' book and should whoever comes not be their leaders say we aren't authorised to commit anything official unless their leaders are present?" Rune asked, though he sighed a moment later. "Ugh, that would only breed more distrust." He growled softly, "I hate politics." Rune muttered with disdain.

"Agreed, regarding matters political," S'Lace murmured, "I think we cannot know how best to proceed until we meet the Romulans and gauge their intentions and temperament."

"Let's get moving." Flynn said, gesturing for Ayol to begin the journey and lead them.

"Commander, what do we want from the Romulans?" Rune asked Flynn.

"I don't know, I'm just here so they don't get pissy that we only sent Lieutenants." Flynn said, shrugging. "Captain said you wanted to ask them how you could help?"

"Ah, I was somewhat expecting that was going to be--" He shook his head and shrugged as well. "Don't mind me, ma'am." He was caught off guard a little and quickly had to think on how to phrase his questions. Rune smiled. "Commander, if you would like to know anything, please do let me know, and I could find a way to ask them."

"Don't worry Thul we're not here to snoop. Just being neighbourly." Flynn told the Security Chief.

Before long they were at the door of the Romulan embassy, and Flynn led them through the entrance. A long hallway almost certainly scanned them. Soon they were inside the lobby, a plain but well appointed room where a pretty young woman sat behind a desk. She stood as they entered.

"Jolan Tru, Commander, Lieutenants. We are glad to welcome you. I am Ipae." The young woman said as the starfleet crew approached.

Alex nodded politely to the young woman. She intended to say as little as possible until the others had a chance to get down to business, then she could tune out.

S'Lace granted the woman a polite nod but kept quiet. She assumed the Commander would 'take point' on the meeting.

As she spoke, one of the doors to the next room opened, and a bald, extensively scarred Romulan entered. He was Ixim, director of Free State security.

Alex felt a strange sensation when she saw the man. She did her best to ping her recollections to Thul mentally, though she'd always been told her attempts at even passive telepathic contact needed work, such was the clutter of her mind. He had served Drusilla Creon's father Lucius on Starbase 51. Alex had investigated his alleged death, and later seen him die herself, only for him to return again and again. He was a flash-cloned duplicate, and deeply unscrupulous.

A clone? Rune caught bits and pieces of what his superior was trying to send his way via thoughts, she seemed to not be quite that capable of organising her mind. It's not something he faulted non-telepaths for, perhaps he should offer to help her train her mind soon? He will ask her later. "Jolan Tru Miss Ipae, I am Lieutenant Rune Thul, Chief of Security and Tactical Officer."

Ipae went to introduce Ixim, but he spoke before she had a chance.

"The Vorta cannot enter. Its loyalty is uncertain." He told the Federation party.

S'Lace faced the scarred Romulan squarely. This was the first thrust in the negotiations, it seemed. Right away S'Lace's opinion of this being felt wrong. The humans had a word for his sort: bully. Possibly the origin of the word came from a variation on the male earth bovine, a stupid and aggressive animal. This one was not stupid, though. Anything but.

"Yeoman Ayol is Captain Rovak's eyes and ears in these talks," she stated calmly, "And his loyalty is above reproach," she arched an eyebrow at him, "Perhaps we can discuss the matter with your Masters?"

Ayol was not shocked by the objection, but he felt a deep and unexpected gratitude to S'Lace for her intervention. He had simply expected to leave, and that would be the end of it. Despite the complex emotions he was feeling, he remained stone-faced, simply watching Ixim, looking at his collar to keep from being perceived as looking at any particular part of his complex profile.

"Yes, Yeoman Ayol is wearing a Starfleet uniform and part of the Dominion's efforts for peaceful cooperation with the Federation. He is Starfleet now." Rune spoke up as he turned to face Ixim. "And who are you?"

Alex smiled silently at their reactions.

"I am Ixim. Security Director. Come with me." He knew there was no use arguing. He didn't personally care. Outwardly, he was almost Vulcan-like in his lack of emotion, but he sounded bored. He wasn't expending any more energy than he had to on this task.

Ixim turned to face them again before they crossed the threshold into the main atrium. "Any weapons will be permanently disabled if you try to bring them through this door. You can leave them with Ipae and collect them on the way out."

"Very well." Rune said and handed his type 1 to Ipae. "It was for anyone who needed protection." He didn't want it permanently disabled, he had kind of modified it slightly to be more responsive. He followed Ixim into the atrium, it was productive that their Security Director was meeting with them.

S'Lace pondered for a moment to let the security director know about what she was wearing about her waist, but then decided not to. The man apparently was arrogant enough to think all Starfleet personnel relied solely upon phasers.

And besides, she did not like him.

She followed the others across the threshold.

Alex and Ayol followed along, neither was armed. Within the atrium, three figures were waiting for them. They were two older men and a middle-aged woman, all unmistakably Romulan.

The woman stepped forward confidently, there was no trace of hesitation or doubt. "I am Vaia of the Qowat Milat." She made a gesture of pressing her palms together and opening them out towards the visitors. "Our house of truth has served as a spiritual refuge since the fall. In that sense, I am the closest thing to a spiritual leader the Romulans aboard this station have. I welcome you all."

"Thanks. I'm Flynn, station XO." Alex told the woman. She'd had dealings with their order before. She liked them.

"This is D'Deridex Tebok, owner of the Wintergarden, and head of the promenade merchant's association." Vaia said, introducing the shorter of the two men with dark hair. Tebok nodded with a polite smile.

"And this is Magistrate Tarix, this community's foremost and only jurist." Vaia explained. The Magistrate made a slight movement of his eyebrows, but little more. He was much taller than Tebok, but what little hair he had was white. He didn't look especially interested.

S'Lace waited until all three introductions, she raised her hand in the traditional Vulcan salute, "I am Doctor S'Lace, Chief Medical Officer. Your invitation into your home honors us."

"I am Lieutenant Rune Thul, Chief of Security and Tactical Officer." Rune greeted the Romulans present.

"I am Ayol, Captain's yeoman. Our colleague Lieutenant Thul is modest, he is regent of the Seventh House of Betazed and wielder of the sacred sword." Ayol said, hoping that information might impress them.

"We understand you wish to speak with us as representatives of the Romulan community." Vaia said.

S'Lace gave a nod and lowered her hand, she waited for the XO to speak. She would offer medical assistance as needed, when the opportunity presented itself. For now she studied the three to sense the dynamics between them...and their apparent chief of security...

"Maybe we should have a seat?" Alex said, eyeing off a particularly comfortable looking central table with seats enough for all. It was a little showy perhaps, but Alex hadn't noticed anyone else that could accommodate all eight of them. Also, the place seemed to be empty except for them.

The Romulans seemed to silently agree after a look from Vaia between them, and together both groups moved to the table under the massive Free State sigil on the wall at the far end of the room. They sat four on one side, four on the other.

"So, what is it you wish us to know or tell you?" Vaia asked, getting straight to the point.

"Excellent question." Flynn told Vaia. "Lieutenants?" She turned to both Thul and S'Lace.

That did seem like a billion latinum bars question now didn't it, Rune mused. He nodded to Flynn as a thank you. "Why are you all still aboard this station?" That was the most interesting question he had the moment he learned about this station's history and current situation.

"My duty is to the house of truth. So long as it remains, so shall I." Vaia answered instantly.

"For my sake, the Wintergarden has operated continuously for more than a century." Tebok said in a smooth, agreeable tone. "It is my family's legacy. It is also quite profitable, particularly since the arrival of your Federation." The older Romulan man smiled, he had a grandfatherly quality. "Your Captain seemed most impressed. You must all come by some time. It will be my treat."

"This place has been our home since long before it was gifted to your Federation out of political expediency. Perhaps you had not heard, but the Empire we spent our lives in service to no longer exists. Our homeworld and many of our greatest colonies are atomic dust in the stellar winds. Where is it you think we should be, Lieutenant? " The Magistrate asked Thul, somewhat incensed by the question.

Rune smiled. "Why didn't you simply take ownership of the station for yourselves independently of the Free State?"

"Because the first Imperialist warlord to get here had the same idea, and he had a Warbird." The Magistrate's response was curt.

"Did this Warlord take command of this station up to the point where it was transfered to the Federation?" Rune asked, since the Warbird and this lord Tarix mentioned isn't here now.

S'Lace was silent for the moment as she sat straight in her chair. There was a human term-they had many she found...useful-read the room. She was attempting to ascertain the overall mood of these Romulans leaders. Did they resent the presence of the Federation on this station?

When Rune asked the question her eyebrow quirked slightly. That was something she was certainly curious about. Would they be seeing a visitor some time in the future, back to reclaim what they thought was theirs?

"Ambassador Creon liberated this station in the year 2400 on your calendar. We became part of the Free State out of necessity, a station this size cannot be maintained by civilians alone." Vaia said, cutting in to keep the Magistrate safe from his own potential apoplexy.

S'Lace was not certain if Rune was deliberately attempting to antagonize the Romulans. Then again, Romulans did not need much to antagonize them, "I am here to offer my services to your community," she met the Magistrate's eyes, "I have been recently assigned to this station and I am ignorant of your medical requirements. I wish to be of service to you, as any doctor should be where illness and injury are found."

Before the Magistrate could respond she added, "This establishment's decor is of interest to me. I am a student of Romulan culture but I have never been to a Romulan world, never been amongst a Romulan community. My ignorance of Romulan customs and culture is vast and I would welcome any opportunity to be enlightened. It would be a privilege to be allowed to travel in your corridors and learn, perhaps while offering my services as a healer."

The Magistrate kept a straight face of annoyance as she spoke, but as he considered what she had said his expression softened. "Well, a Vulcan capable of humility. You must be this scientist from another universe we've heard about in hushed tones." The Magistrate said, thinking himself funny, but then realising he had said something that ought not to be repeated.

"We are grateful for your offer and your kind words, Doctor. I'm sure there is much we can learn from one another." Tebok smiled warmly, clasping his hands together as he interrupted the awkward pause deftly. "I fear that our people have little trust in Doctors, even less so in those who follow Surak. I would not impose upon you, but it has long been my feeling that if healthcare could be more proactive than reactive, my people may yet learn faith in healers." He spoke with a gentle gravitas.

S'Lace nodded slightly, "Yes, trust does take time, and a good start would be for the doctor to come to the patient. As for being humble," she added as she turned toward the Magistrate, "It has been said my humility knows know bounds."

She said this with a completely straight face...

"And funny, too. If only I were fifty years younger.." The Magistrate said in a lighthearted tone, laughing in Tebok's direction.

"If you have any further suggestions Doctor S'Lace, please do not hesitate. I or my staff will be available to you any time." Tebok as his polite chuckle ended.

S'Lace had considered a more verbose response to the Magistrate, but implying she was already married three times and was in no hurry for a fourth husband might raise...questions. instead she merely gifted him with an arched eyebrow which could mean a great many things.

She turned to Tebok and murmured, "And should your people require any emergency medical aid please do not hesitate to call upon our resources."

"Indeed we shall. If I may once again seek your indulgence to steer the conversation towards my own interests." Tebok said. "I understand there to have been a number of slurs against my business recently, unfounded accusations of wanton criminality within. Would it be possible perhaps Mr Thul for there to be a semi-permanent starfleet security presence positioned within the Wintergarden? We are the largest single establishment aboard over several decks. I think it would do a great deal to both assure others of our commitment to the Federation way, and to engender trust in starfleet among our people."

Rune turned to Ayol. "I don't think my titles had much impact," he chuckled before turning back to Tebok as he had his doubts and decided to voice them. "Wouldn't a Starfleet presence, especially a Security one, further antagonise the public in any way they want to see it?"

He turned to Ixim. "Director Ixim, what is your view on this request?"

"Director is my job, my title is Centurion, or Prod if you prefer the original Rihan." The characterful Romulan corrected Thul without enthusiasm. "It might help. If they're better mannered than you." The Magistrate chortled at that.

Rune smiled. "Director is both a title and job in the Federation. It has it's own due respect. In regards to this request," he lost the smile and returned to a neutral expression. "I would prefer my personnel perform a supporting role to your officers, Centurion. This will show that we are only there to assist and not encroach on what the public may see as the ineffectiveness of Free State Security."

He gestured at Ixim. "To be clear Centurion, I repeat, I do not want the public to see your department lose credibility by Starfleet Security being too large a presence." Rune looked around the table while he spoke his next words. "Image is important to the public and unless it is publically announced by Ambassador Creon that she endorses Starfleet activity openly in the civilian sector, I believe the less leading roles Starfleet Security takes the better."

As he finished his gaze returned to Ixim. "My security teams will follow your officers lead as the civilian sector is Free State jurisdiction is it not?"

"By the elements. Does he seriously not know his own jurisdiction?" The Magistrate asked, aghast.

"The only jurisdiction we have aboard is this Embassy. The only security staff we have are those few assigned to this Embassy. We do not have people to spare for promenade diversions. Every Romulan living aboard not sent here to maintain this Embassy has been made a Federation citizen. People's faith in our forces is irrelevant, this isn't our station anymore." Ixim explained.

"If I may ask, Centurion, who provided security here before the arrival of the Imperialists who ruled the station until it's liberation by Ambassador Creon?" Ayol interjected at an opportune moment.

Ixim looked to those further down the table. He hadn't been here that long. Tebok looked to The Magistrate, who looked to Vaia. "The Sisters of the Qowat Milat ensured justice and peace." She told the Vorta. "The Imperialists permitted us to do so more broadly under their rule, while they still maintained higher authority."

"Would they be willing to serve in that capacity again? That is, if you would be willing to consider deputising a civilian constabulary, sir." Ayol asked Vaia, then Thul.

Vaia looked to Thul, knowing there was no point in responding if he did not approve.

Rune chuckled. "Ah, I'm glad that the Free State is fully aware of Starfleet Security jurisdiction even so, I still would like Free State Security to work closely with us in a joint manner. We do have the whole station to monitor and we share responsibility of the 3000 of your people's safety considering their dual citizenship." He said to Ixim then frowned. "Have none of your people come to you for work at the Embassy who wasn't assigned, I heard many need a job?"

"Embassy staff are not at your disposal, Lieutenant. Our operations are not a subject tabled for discussion." Ixim responded. He had the voice of one who'd smoked since childhood.

Rune's expression went into a shocked one. "Centurion, I don't recall saying that Starfleet Security now owns the Embassy or controls the people working there. I also don't recall saying that you will tell us all you do inside the Embassy." He did blink and glanced upwards blinked again, focused back at Ixim. "Employment would be I guess, I retract the question, however, you are aware the people need employment right? Perhaps some can fill those Security positions that you said earlier you were lacking manpower?" He suggested with a shrug.

"Does that mean you are opposed to joint security management?" Rune asked before stating, "I understand if you are."

"As I have told you, the only staff I have at my disposal are here to secure the embassy. That is their job and they will continue to perform it. We have all Romulans of relevant use in our employ already. This is not our station anymore." Ixim said.

"Romulans of relevant use," Rune repeated as he stared at Ixim unblinkingly for several moments with eyes wide. He closed his eyes and nodded. "Understood." He sighed, clearly the Romulans of the Free State hadn't heard of the mult-tasking concept so Rune accepted that that is the end of that part of the conversation between him and Ixim.

He turned to Vaia. "If the Qowat Milat are interested in continuing to ensure justice and peace, will they agree to do so under Federation guidelines? As I am not fully aware of all your practices and code of conduct, I formally request a separate meeting to discuss," he gestured to Ayol, "as Yeoman Ayol said, we can work out official standing in Security matters," he nodded at Ayol then looked back to Vaia. "Yes, indeed like a constabulary with provisional ranks so you will have the backing of Starfleet. I do admire what I have heard about the Qowat Milat training and tactical skills, very impressive." Rune said with a respectful inclination of his head towards Vaia.

"We prefer hopeless causes over progressive imperialism, but we will assist in the interest of those who have no other home but here. We intend to follow any rules you set as rulers of this place." Vaia responded.

Rune raised an eyebrow. "How is justice and peace progressive imperialism and not hopeless in a universe like this one? There will always be struggle and conflict. Isn't hope defined by the individual?" He asked curious as to Vaia's response.

"Your Federation is far from hopeless. The Dominion are your allies. The Borg are gone. The Romulans fight amongst ourselves and the Klingons know they would not win another war with you, if they were to start it. The Federation grows like a weed through the Alpha, Beta and Gamma Quadrants." Vaia responded.

"Apologies for not being specific Sister Vaia, and while you do speak the truth, I would like to clarify that I wasn't referring to within the Federation, but everywhere else, as you pointed out it does seem hopeless that your people may never fully recover and with your help to maintaining justice and peace for your people, especially on this station to me feels like a worthy cause." Rune said with a smile. He was about to talk about the Romulans as a whole but decided against it as he had already put the Free State staff in the room on the defensive.

He gave an open hand gesture at Vaia. "However, as I pointed out earlier I am somewhat lacking in knowledge of Qowat Milat traditions and code of conduct that I do not fully understand how cause's are judged," he said, "could I meet with you sometime formally?"

"You will find me at the House of Truth if you need me." Vaia said.

Turning to Tebok, Rune smiled. "As for the Wintergarden, I would like to meet with you about the specifics but if Free State Security is okay with Starfleet Security handling guard duty, we can do that." He clicked his fingers together as he recalled something. "And not just for the Wintergarden but for all merchants part of the Association, Starfleet Security can't afford to be showing favouritism."

"You may struggle to find those who are willing to let your officers on their premises without a warrant, Lieutenant. I offer the chance for you to introduce my people to your presence in a familiar location. But we can speak more at a later date."

"Excellent, I look forward to it, Mister Tebok," Rune said before facing Ixim again, he held a palm up towards the ceiling just at shoulder height with his fingers gesturing in Ixim's direction. "Has any of the criminal activity been reported to the Embassy?"

"Nothing we haven't taken care of." Ixim looked like he might have been squinting just-open eyes, like he could fall asleep at any moment.

Rune nodded. "Very well, should anyone come to us for help we will help them. I shall set up a Starfleet Security post in one of the empty merchant plots for anyone seeking help." He turned to Commander Flynn, "with your permission Commander?"

"Do it." Flynn said simply. "Is there anything else? I think we've all got some homework to do ahead of our next meeting."

S'Lace said, "This may be premature but if my visits do go well we may discuss opening up a clinic in the Romulan quarter, one that may be staffed by Romulans. It would be prudent to find out what citizens have medical experience, and to discover if anyone is willing to learn at least basic medicine. I am willing to teach anyone who has a desire to learn."

"I believe most if not all the sisters within the House of Truth would be interested. We will put out the word to others." Vaia said.

"I will also send my senior employees along." Tebok said. The Magistrate and Ixim were silent.

"Alright then. Thank you all for your time, it's been a pleasure to meet you all. We'll be in touch about next steps." Alex said, leading the small delegation of officers in standing, then moving for the door.

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